Football | Ghana

Trio sail through to Ghana FA Cup

While Asante Kotoko’s FA Cup quarterfinals clash with lower tier side Nea Salamina is on hold, their Ghana Premier League rivals have secured their tickets to the last four of the competition.

On Sunday, Hearts of Oak, Wa All Stars and Medeama SC recorded wins within regulation time in their push for the FA Cup title.

The Phobians, who are on a 17-year wait to get hold of the title, faced stiff competition from first Division side Danbort FC but emerged winners through a Vincent Atinga penalty strike. Winger Patrick Razak was hacked down in the area from which Atinga followed up to score from the spot on 64 minutes.

Wa All Stars’ quest to atone for their dismal league title defence appears on course as they secured a comfortable 2-0 victory in an all-Premier League tie with Berekum Chelsea. Nasiru Moro and Seth Amoateng struck in each half to hand the Northern Blues the win.

Two-time champions Medeama SC also dispatched Amidaus Professionals and inched closer to their third Cup final in history on Sunday.

The Mauve and Yellows scored twice under 20 minutes to take full control of their quarterfinal tie with the Tema-based side at the T&A Park.

It was Rashid Nortey who opened the scoring when he slammed home a low grounder from close range in the 10th minute. And seven minutes after, experienced Latif Salifu doubled the advantage.

Amidaus Professionals refused to go down easily as they improved their game in the second half and deservedly halved the scoreline through a well-taken free-kick by striker Isaac Amoah nine minutes from time.

The outstanding quarterfinal fixture between Asante Kotoko and Nea Salamina is expected to be scheduled for mid-August.